Recover Abandoned Carts with WhatsApp: Boost Sales with Simple Messages

Hey there! If you’re running an online store, you’ve probably experienced the frustration of abandoned carts. You know what I mean—customers add items to their cart, get distracted, and then poof! They’re gone.

It’s like watching someone walk out of your store with a full shopping bag and never looking back. But don’t worry! There’s a way to bring those customers back, and it’s as simple as sending a WhatsApp message. 

In this blog post, we’re going to dive deep into the world of abandoned carts and how you can use WhatsApp to recover those lost sales. So grab a cup of coffee, and let’s get started!

Table of Contents

What is an Abandoned Cart?
Why Use WhatsApp for Abandoned Cart Recovery?
How to Set Up WhatsApp for Abandoned Cart Recovery
Best Abandoned Cart WhatsApp Messages
Best Practices for WhatsApp Abandoned Cart Messages
Real-Life Success Stories
The Future of Abandoned Cart Recovery
How to Recover Abandoned Cart from Shopify Stores
How to Recover Abandoned Cart from WooCommerce Stores
Why Choose AiSensy for Cart Abandonment Recovery?
Conclusion
FAQ

What is an Abandoned Cart?

First things first, let’s clarify what we mean by “abandoned cart.”

Cart abandonment occurs when a customer adds items to their online shopping cart but leaves the website without completing the purchase. This can happen for a variety of reasons: 

• Found a better deal elsewhere,
• Complicated checkout process,
• Shipping costs higher than expected,
• Simply weren’t ready to buy at that moment.

According to recent statistics, around 70% of online shopping carts are abandoned. That’s a staggering number! If you think about it, that’s a lot of potential sales slipping through your fingers. 

But here’s the good news: you can recover a significant portion of those abandoned carts with the right strategy.

Why Use WhatsApp for Abandoned Cart Recovery?

You might be wondering, “Why should I use WhatsApp to recover abandoned carts?” Well, let me tell you, WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, with over 2 billion users.

It’s a platform that people are already using daily, making it an ideal channel for reaching out to customers.

Here are a few reasons why WhatsApp is a game-changer for abandoned cart recovery:

1. High Open Rates: WhatsApp messages have an open rate of around 98%. That’s way higher than emails, which typically have an open rate of about 20%. When you send a message on WhatsApp, there’s a good chance your customer will see it.
   
   
2. Instant Communication: WhatsApp allows for real-time communication. If a customer has a question or concern about their abandoned cart, they can reach out to you instantly.
   
   
3. Personal Touch: WhatsApp enables you to send personalized messages, making your customers feel valued. A simple “Hey, we noticed you left something in your cart!” can go a long way.
   
   
4. Rich Media Support: You can send images, videos, and even documents through WhatsApp. This means you can showcase the products they left behind in a visually appealing way.
   
   
5. Cost-Effective: Compared to traditional marketing methods, using WhatsApp for abandoned cart recovery is relatively inexpensive. You can automate messages and reach a large audience without breaking the bank.
   
   

How to Set Up WhatsApp for Abandoned Cart Recovery

Now that we’ve established why WhatsApp is a great tool for recovering abandoned carts, let’s talk about how to set it up.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:

Step 1: Get WhatsApp Business API

To use WhatsApp for business purposes, you’ll need to sign up for the WhatsApp Business API. This allows you to send automated messages and manage customer interactions more effectively. 

You can sign up through a provider like AiSensy, which offers a user-friendly platform for managing your WhatsApp communications.

Step 2: Integrate with Your E-commerce Platform

Once you have access to the WhatsApp Business API, you’ll need to integrate it with your e-commerce platform. 

Most popular platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Magento have plugins or integrations available to make this process seamless.

AiSensy offers one-click integration with Shopify and WooCoomerce. We will dive more into that soon.

Step 3: Create Abandoned Cart Message Templates

Next, you’ll want to create message templates for your abandoned cart reminders. Here are a few examples to get you started:

• Friendly Reminder: “Hey [Customer Name]! 👋We noticed you left some awesome items in your cart.🛒 Don’t miss out! Complete your purchase here: [CTA button]”.
  
  
• Limited Time Offer: “Hi [Customer Name]!⏰ Your cart is waiting for you! Complete your order in the next 24 hours and get a 10% discount with code CART10. 🎉 Shop now: [CTA button]”.
  
  
• Follow up: “Hey [Customer Name], we see you were interested in [Product Name]. 🤔If you have any questions, feel free to ask! Here’s your cart: [CTA button]”.

Step 4: Automate Your Messages

Using a platform like AiSensy, you can automate your abandoned cart messages. Set up triggers to send messages after a certain period of inactivity—say, 15 minutes, 1 hour, and 24 hours after the cart is abandoned. 

This way, you can gently nudge customers back to their carts without being too pushy.

Step 5: Monitor and Optimize

Finally, keep an eye on your abandoned cart recovery rates. Use analytics tools to track how many customers are returning to complete their purchases after receiving your WhatsApp messages.

If you notice certain messages are performing better than others, optimize your strategy accordingly.

Best Abandoned Cart WhatsApp Messages

Crafting effective WhatsApp messages for abandoned cart recovery is crucial to re-engage potential buyers and drive conversions. Here are some examples of the best types of messages to use:

1. Friendly Reminder
   “Hey [Customer Name]! 👋 We noticed you left some amazing items in your cart. 🛒 Don’t miss out! Click here to complete your purchase: [CTA link].”
2. Urgency with Time Limit
   “Hi [Customer Name]! ⏳ Your cart is waiting for you, but hurry! Complete your order within the next 24 hours and enjoy 10% off with code CART10. 🎉 [CTA link].”
3. Showcasing Product Value
   “Hey [Customer Name], the [Product Name] you picked is almost sold out! 🛍 Complete your purchase now and secure it today! [CTA link]”
4. Incentive-Based Encouragement
   “Hi [Customer Name]! Complete your cart now and get FREE shipping on your entire order! 🎁 Don’t miss this exclusive offer: [CTA link].”
5. Follow-Up with Assistance
   “Hey [Customer Name], we saw you were eyeing [Product Name]. 😍 Did you have any questions or need help checking out? We’re here for you! [CTA link].”
6. Personalized Message Highlighting Products
   “Hi [Customer Name], your cart with [Product Name 1] and [Product Name 2] is waiting for you! 🛒 Don’t wait too long—complete your order here: [CTA link].”
7. FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)
   “Hey [Customer Name]! Items in your cart are flying off the shelves! 🚀 Complete your purchase now to make sure you don’t miss out: [CTA link].”

Remember to make your messages timely, concise, and engaging while including a clear call-to-action (CTA). Use personalization and, if possible, include visuals or emojis sparingly to make the message more appealing.

Best Practices for WhatsApp Abandoned Cart Messages

To make the most of your WhatsApp abandoned cart recovery strategy, here are some best practices to keep in mind:

1. Be Timely

Timing is everything. The sooner you reach out to customers after they abandon their carts, the better. Aim to send your first reminder within an hour of abandonment. This keeps your products fresh in their minds.

2. Personalize Your Messages

Personalization is key to making your customers feel valued. Use their names and reference the specific products they left in their carts. This shows that you care about their shopping experience.

3. Keep It Short and Sweet

WhatsApp is a messaging platform, so keep your messages concise. Get straight to the point and include a clear call-to-action (CTA) that directs them back to their cart.

4. Use Emojis 🤗

Don’t be afraid to sprinkle in some emojis! 😊 They can make your messages feel more friendly and engaging. Just don’t overdo it—too many emojis can be distracting.

5. Test Different Approaches

What works for one business might not work for another. Experiment with different message templates, timings, and offers to see what resonates best with your audience.

Real-Life Success Stories

Still not convinced? Let’s take a look at some real-life success stories of businesses that have effectively used WhatsApp for abandoned cart recovery.

Case Study 1: The Hatke

The Hatke, an online store specializing in unique phone cases, managed to reduce their abandoned carts by 40% using WhatsApp. 

By sending personalized messages and offering limited-time discounts, they were able to engage customers and encourage them to complete their purchases. The result? A whopping 21x return on investment (ROI) from their WhatsApp marketing efforts.

Check full The Hatke case study here.

Case Study 2: Skullcandy

Skullcandy, a well-known audio brand, also leveraged WhatsApp to recover abandoned carts. By automating their abandoned cart reminders, they were able to recover 25-40% of lost sales. 

Their strategy included sending engaging messages with product images and special offers, which resonated well with their audience. 

Check full Skullcandy case study here.

The Future of Abandoned Cart Recovery

As e-commerce continues to grow, so does the importance of effective communication with customers. WhatsApp is paving the way for a more personalized shopping experience, and businesses that embrace this platform will likely see significant benefits.

In the future, we can expect to see even more advanced features for WhatsApp Business, such as AI-driven chatbots that can handle customer inquiries and provide personalized recommendations.

This means that businesses will be able to engage with customers in real-time, making the shopping experience smoother and more enjoyable.

How to Recover Abandoned Cart from Shopify Stores

Recovering carts abandoned cart from Shopify stores can be a straightforward process, especially when you leverage tools like WhatsApp. Here’s how you can effectively use WhatsApp to reconnect with customers who have left items in their carts:

1. Set Up WhatsApp Business API: First, you need to integrate the WhatsApp Business API with your Shopify store. This allows you to send automated messages to customers who abandon their carts.

2. Automate Abandoned Cart Messages: Use a platform like AiSensy to automate your cart recovery messages. You can set triggers to send reminders after a specific time frame, such as 1 hour, 24 hours, or 72 hours after the cart is abandoned.

3. Create Engaging Message Templates: Develop personalized message templates that remind customers of their abandoned carts. For example:

“Hey [Customer Name], 👋we noticed you left some items in your cart! 🛒Complete your purchase here: [Link].”

“Hi [Customer Name]! Your cart is waiting for you. ⏰Don’t miss out on your favorites!🛒”.

4. Offer Incentives: Consider providing discounts or special offers to encourage customers to complete their purchases. For instance, you could say, “Complete your order in the next 24 hours and get 10% off with code CART10.”

5. Monitor and Optimize: Keep track of your recovery rates and adjust your strategies based on what works best. Analyze which messages lead to the highest conversion rates and refine your approach accordingly.

By following these steps, you can effectively reduce cart abandonment and boost your sales through targeted WhatsApp messaging.

How to Recover Abandoned Cart from WooCommerce Stores

If you’re using WooCommerce, recovering carts abandoned cart can also be achieved through WhatsApp. Here’s a simple guide to help you get started:

1. Integrate WhatsApp with WooCommerce: Similar to Shopify, you’ll need to set up the WhatsApp Business API and integrate it with your WooCommerce store. This will enable you to send automated messages to customers.

2. Automate Your Messages: Use a tool like AiSensy to automate your abandoned cart messages. Set up triggers to send reminders after a certain period of inactivity, such as 1 hour or 24 hours.

3. Craft Personalized Messages: Create engaging and personalized messages that remind customers of their abandoned carts. For example:

“Hey [Customer Name], we noticed you left something behind! 🤔Check out your cart here: 🛒[Link].”

“Hi [Customer Name]! Your cart is still waiting for you. ⏰Complete your purchase and enjoy a special discount!🎉”

4. Provide Incentives: Just like with Shopify, offering discounts can be an effective way to encourage customers to return and complete their purchases.. Analyze and Adjust: Monitor the effectiveness of your messages and make adjustments as needed. Pay attention to which messages yield the best results and optimize your strategy accordingly.

By implementing these strategies, you can effectively recover abandoned carts in your WooCommerce store and enhance your overall sales performance.

Why Choose AiSensy for Cart Abandonment Recovery?

1. Official WhatsApp API: AiSensy is powered by the official WhatsApp Business API, ensuring compliance with WhatsApp's policies and providing a reliable communication channel for businesses.
   
   
2. High Engagement Rates: Messages sent via WhatsApp have an impressive open rate of around 98%, significantly higher than traditional email marketing. This means your reminders about abandoned carts are more likely to be seen by customers.
   
   
3. Automated Messaging: With AiSensy, you can automate your abandoned cart recovery messages. Set up triggers to send reminders at optimal times, such as 15 minutes, one hour, or 24 hours after a cart is abandoned.
   
   
4. Personalized Communication: AiSensy allows you to create personalized messages that resonate with your customers. You can include their names and specific product details to make the communication feel more tailored and engaging.
   
   
5. Rich Media Support: You can send images, videos, and links through WhatsApp, making it easier to showcase the products left in the cart and entice customers to complete their purchases.
   
   
6. Real-Time Analytics: Track the performance of your abandoned cart recovery efforts in real-time. AiSensy provides insights into message delivery, read rates, and conversion rates, allowing you to optimize your strategy continuously.

Conclusion

So there you have it! Abandoned carts don’t have to be a lost cause. By using WhatsApp for abandoned cart recovery, you can reconnect with customers, boost your sales, and create a more personalized shopping experience.

Remember to keep your messages friendly, timely, and engaging, and don’t hesitate to experiment with different strategies.

If you haven’t already, consider integrating WhatsApp into your e-commerce strategy. It’s a powerful tool that can help you recover lost sales and build lasting relationships with your customers. 

Get started with AiSensy and happy selling!

FAQ